Optimism, well-being, and perceived stigma in individuals living with HIV

Abstract

Given the significant psychological challenges posed by HIV-related stigma for individuals living with HIV, investigating psychological resource factors for coping with HIV-related stigma is important. Optimism, which refers to generalized expectations regarding favorable outcomes, has been associated with enhanced psychological adaptation to health conditions, including HIV. Therefore, this cross-sectional study investigated associations among optimism, psychological well-being, and HIV stigma in a sample of 116 adults living with HIV and seeking mental health services. Consistent with study hypotheses, optimism was positively associated with psychological well-being, and psychological well-being was negatively associated with HIV-related stigma. Moreover, results of a full structural equation model suggested a mediation pattern such that as optimism increases, psychological well-being increases, and perceived HIV-related stigma decreases. The implications of these findings for clinical interventions and future research are discussed.

Keywords:

• HIV stigma
• optimism
• well-being
• coping
• psychological adaptation
• psychological resources

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [grant number 5U79SM057701].